ISLAMABAD: The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has partnered with the Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture Multan to implement a research-based study on water budgeting and agricultural productivity in the Indus Basin Irrigation System.
The initiative aimed at addressing Southern Punjab’s pressing water challenges focuses on the Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar districts, where the study will seek to tackle issues including declining groundwater levels, inefficient irrigation practices and increasing pressure on canal water supplies.
Under the partnership, researchers will use the FAO’s WaPOR database to undertake high-resolution crop mapping, estimate crop-specific irrigation needs, assess water productivity and analyse groundwater abstraction, including contributions from solar-powered tubewells.
The WaPOR project assists partner countries in developing their capacity to monitor and improve water and land productivity in both rain-fed and irrigated agriculture.
Initiative targets water scarcity, irrigation efficiency in southern Punjab; aims to guide climate-resilient policymaking
By using WaPOR data and tools, Pakistan can enhance water-use efficiency, optimise irrigation, adopt sustainable agricultural practices to improve food security and livelihoods and identify gaps in water allocation and planning.
The WaPOR project will assists the ongoing efforts and investment of Pakistan in the water sector along with its development partners.
Speaking at a signing ceremony, FAO Officer-in-Charge James Robert Okoth underscored the urgent need for collaboration to respond to Pakistan’s growing water scarcity.
He emphasised that the integration of geospatial analytics, remote sensing data and institutional capacity development is critical for informed irrigation planning and climate-resilient agriculture.
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University’s vice chancellor Asif Ali reaffirmed the institution’s commitment, highlighting its role in providing technical expertise in remote sensing, spatial analysis and field validation.
He noted that the collaboration will contribute “scientifically robust evidence to support sustainable water management and informed policymaking”.
Climate change has exacerbated the problem in Pakistan by altering weather patterns and causing extreme events like floods and droughts, further straining water resources and impacting socio-economic development.
According to a press release from the FAO Pakistan office, the initiative seeks to strengthen data-driven water resources management by generating high-quality evidence at the distributary level within selected command areas.
The study will produce spatial datasets, analytical workflows and evidence-based recommendations to support irrigation authorities and policymakers.
The initiative brings together key partners, including the Punjab Irrigation Department, the Punjab Agriculture Department and IHE Delft, to ensure strong technical coordination and stakeholder engagement.
Through these actions, the project aims to strengthen water governance reforms, improve crop productivity and enhance food security across Pakistan.
Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2026
